Greg Myrie

We're talking about a dozen or more ships, including the USS Gerald IV, the world's largest aircraft carrier.

perhaps 15,000 troops in the region.

So we'll be looking to see if the U.S.

continues with any action against drug smuggling boats, against oil tankers, or if in fact this operation may be over.

NPR's Greg Myrie.

Thank you, Greg.

Sure thing, Daniel.

The U.S.

launched the operation in the middle of the night, with explosions ringing out in the capital Caracas and helicopters crisscrossing the sky.

A couple hours later, President Trump took to Truth Social and wrote, quote,

who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country.

The president did not provide additional details.

It was not immediately clear who would now be running Venezuela.

The U.S.

action follows months of a military buildup in the region and repeated threats by Trump against Maduro.

This could be a major blow to Venezuela.

The country is so dependent on oil exports.

One of these fully loaded tankers can carry about $100 million worth of oil.

And if the U.S.

does seize more ships, this could have additional consequences.